Multi-million pound boost for counter-terrorism policing

The Home Secretary has announced an additional £24 million for counter-terrorism policing.

An extra £24 million is to be pumped into counter-terrorism policing in the wake of this year’s terror attacks, Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced today.

The move comes as the investigation into Friday’s incident in Parsons Green continues.

The entirely new funding, which is in addition to £707 million already announced to support counter terrorism policing in 2017/18, will be used to bolster protective security measures in crowded places. This will include helping to protect the public from the specific threat of vehicles being used as weapons.

The extra funding will go to counter-terrorism police including the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police to assist with their response to the threat of terrorism and help meet costs relating to the recent terrorist attacks.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said:

“We have seen several devastating terrorist attacks in quick succession this year, most recently in Parsons Green, and the police have responded to this challenge outstandingly.

“The threat we face from terrorism is becoming more complex and diverse.

“That is why we are reviewing our counter-terrorism strategy to ensure the authorities have the powers they need to halt terrorist activity and why, today, I have announced £24 million of additional support for counter-terrorism policing this year.

“I am grateful to the police, and security services, for all they are doing to keep us safe.”

The new funding comes in addition to the government’s commitment to increase spending on counter-terrorism by 30%, from £11.7 billion to £15.1 billion. The government has also provided £144 million over the spending review period for a national uplift in armed policing capability and funding for an additional 1,900 officers at the security and intelligence agencies.

Official figures released by the Home Office last week show the highest number of arrests for terrorism related offences in a year since data collection began in 2001.